flattire

1988 Chev G20 351 V8 auto.
When I pull the emergency brake lever,to release the e brake, although it does release, the pedal doesn't come right up, I have to hook my foot under the e brake pedal and lift it the last few inches.
Also when I park up for a week or so. the rear brakes stick on and loosen off with a jolt. This happens even when I dont have the e brake engaged.
Does the E brake assembly have it's own spring to pull it up? Why would the brake shoes stick to the drum?

canucklehead

Leaking wheel cylinders and or axle seals. Oil on the brakes can cause them to stick. There can also be a groove worn into the backing plate that the shoes are handing up on. This can happen on older vehicles. You won't know until you pull off the drums and have a look.
The pedal has a return spring as well, and some wd 40 may help there.

flattire

Thanks canucklehead
This was the answer I was looking for.
So the pedal has a return spring. I had a feeling it did but I hav'nt looked at it properly yet, I think that will be the problem with the pedal release. I will remove the mechanism and check the spring.
I have stripped everything down on the drum and I will look for any grooves.

canucklehead

While the brakes are off and the emerg cable is slack, you can put some brake grease on the points that it contacts.

flattire

thanks Mate
I have now cleaned the backing plate, it looks to be in good condition, I will grease the contact points.
I think the answer to my problem is mainly the return spring on the pedal. I wsn't sure if it had one and it's arkward to get down and see.
I will take a look at that properly today.